Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Wednesday, the Kremlin dismissed US President Donald Trump’s comment calling Russia a “paper tiger” and stated that President Vladimir Putin appreciates his efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was a bear, not a tiger, and
“there is no such thing as a paper bear”.
“Russia is by no means a tiger. After all, Russia is more associated with a bear. There are no ‘paper bears,’ and Russia is a real bear,”
Peskov emphasised.
A day earlier, Trump stated that he believes Ukraine can reclaim all territory seized by Russia and urged Kyiv to act promptly, as Moscow faces significant economic challenges.
Speaking after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said that over time, with patience, and enough funding from Europe and NATO, Ukraine could get back to where it was, and said he believes NATO member countries should shoot down Russian planes if they enter their airspace.
How did the Kremlin respond to Trump’s remarks?
In an interview with RBC radio on Wednesday, Peskov responded to Trump’s comments, stating that the Russian army was making progress in Ukraine and that the front line dynamics were clear.
He mentioned that the Russian economy’s stability was ensured. “Russia maintains its macroeconomic stability,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RBC radio, before saying: “Yes, Russia is experiencing tensions and problems in various sectors of the economy.”
Peskov also mentioned that Putin values Trump’s “willingness to work together” and his desire to find a solution to the Ukraine crisis. He noted that the two leaders share a “warm” relationship, which enables them to discuss sensitive issues and exchange important messages.
Has the Russia-US rapprochement produced any tangible results so far?
Regarding the Russia-US rapprochement, the spokesperson stressed that it has produced “close to zero” results, despite US-led attempts in recent months to revamp ties between the two countries. “This track is sluggish, very sluggish,” Peskov told RBC radio.
How have past US and Russia exchanges become so heated?
Moreover, in early 2025, Trump accused Russia and its economy of being a “failing-type” economy, and specifically called out Putin and said he would impose heavy sanctions and tariffs if Russia did not end the war in Ukraine.
Russia state media and officials mockingly called Trump a “hooligan” and said he was acting like a bully who was aggressive and “hasn’t had a beating in a long time.” Russia’s leading propagandists called for tougher responses from Putin, including threatening nuclear tests, and dismissed Trump as “blackmail” and an ultimatum that is uncalled for and unjustifiable.
